Pink Women's Triathalon

Back to media centre  |   Category: Latest News  |   Date: 22nd Jul 2010

The Pink Women’s Triathlon is on 29th August 2009 so time is running out for you to register, the first 100 entries have already been filled, so book your spot quick!

This traithlon, organised by Uberfit, is more than just a race. It is run by women for women and is open for women of all levels of fitness and ages and provides a supportive environment for all…so there’s no excuse! It is calling for all women to come together and help raise awareness of the breast cance charity the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal.

If you’ve never done a triathlon before this is perfect for you.

This year is The Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal’s Keep Fit and Pink Year, following research carried out at the centre that proves a healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce the risk of breast cancer. So there is no better time/way to embrace this than getting into a Genesis pink tutu and joining in the fun!

First Triathlon Experience? Michelle Harvey from Genesis gives some useful advice to women thinking of taking the plunge

Michelle Harvey from Genesis took part in last year's Pink Women's Triathlon event, here's her experience of the event along with some useful tips to take on board if you're preparing for the next pink women's tri on the 29h August 2010.

How does the Pink Women's differ from other triathlons you have done?

It's such a lovely environment, everyone is so supportive. I've done triathlon before and it can be very competitive and male dominated. This is such a refreshing change, all the women look out for one another.
Some women were not well at all, recovering from breast cancer it was fantastic to see such a diverse group of women from all age groups. You don't have to be a tip-top triathlete to take part; this race is for every one of all shapes and sizes.

How do you prepare for a racer like this?

You need to be happy in each of the disciplines so you're confident putting it all together. Alternatively if you excel in one discipline, join a relay team.
I suggest getting advice on what to wear as it's important to feel comfortable throughout the race. Trigirl (link to http://www.trigirl.co.uk/) have some great clothing at reasonable prices.
Changing between each section can be a bit stressful, make sure you have the right clothing to hand.
Nothing will prepare you for how funny it feels to run after riding a bike, it really is very strange.

Do you have any advice for women thinking of taking part?

1. Make sure you've got your clothing well organised in transition.
2. Drink plenty of water after the swim as you get very dehydrated.
3. Don't try to swim too fast to gain speed on the other racers, the swim is the shorter event but you can overheat quite easily, save your energy for the bike ride and the run.
4. Ensure you have developed road sense on your bike, it's important to keep safe at all times.
5. Invest in a pair of decent running shades.

Who would you recommend the race to?
Anyone who is confident doing one of the disciplines really - you can create relay teams on the day so if you're a good swimmer but not so great at cycling or running, you can select women to race alongside you. There is no age limit, it's really about taking on a personal challenge and having lots of fun in a loving warm environment.

What can you tell us about your research with genesis in terms of reducing the chance of developing breast cancer by doing more exercise?

We have been researching the connection between exercising more and reducing the chance of developing breast cancer for many years now. We've found out that women who exercise regularly are 30% less likely to develop breast cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer reduce the chance of it coming back by 30-40%.

My team and I are currently working on a project called BAHEAD which stands for 'breast activity and healthy eating after diagnoses. We are recruiting 400 women from the Manchester area to take part in exercises over a controlled period of time. If there are any women who live in Manchester who would like to take part I'd be happy to hear from you.

Uberfit Events are proud to support Genesis in their fight to prevent breast cancer. If you would like to join Team Genesis on the 29th August please email Judi Hibbert on judi.hibbert@genesisuk.org

If you are battling with breast cancer and you would like to join other women on the BAHEAD project, Michelle would really like to hear from you. She can be contacted on michelle.harvie@manchester.ac.uk